Insights

Wall Street followed European markets lower despite positive data, while US Treasuries rallied.

After two sham elections, Chris Bowen is the first senior-ranking politician to properly acknowledge the nasty reality of how Australia's budgetary problem got so bad.

As politicians and power companies fail to act on rising energy bills, a new PwC report suggests consumer-centrism and new market players could soon run the incumbents ragged.

US authorities have been slow to cotton on to the multi-billion dollar tax scam facilitated by Swiss banks. Restoring the public's faith will require regulators to step up their game.

James Packer's bid for a Las Vegas casino is trumped by Blackstone Group, while Wilmar International boosts its offer for Goodman Fielder.

Two major shareholders have reportedly accepted new $1.4bn offer for part of their holdings.

Blackswan Equities snapped up by Euroz amid consolidation among brokers.

Shareholder activism comes into play with rising oil and gas M&A activity.

IPO for ice cream company now unlikely after bid from France's R&R.

Prices for key stainless steel ingredient fell heavily as soon as BHP put assets on market.

Fund manager Ellerston Capital raised its stake in GrainCorp ahead of the company's lower interim earnings report.

With the RBA leaving rates on hold once again last week, it's fair to expect that that hybrid securities will continue to prove a popular investment with yield-hungry Australians.

The full-year numbers from Optus are encouraging, so long as the net profit slide in the fourth quarter proves to be an aberration.

Local market edges up in thin trade as Commonwealth Bank prints a fresh record.

Food manufacturer's shares halted, Wilmar said to boost offer by 5c a share.

The shadow treasurer tells Stephen Bartholomeusz and Robert Gottliebsen why he passed up on a deficit levy when given the opportunity by Treasury, and why Labor plans to vote against the GP co-payment and fuel excise.